Museum of Sacred Art

Category: Civil Architecture > Museum

District: Madeira > Funchal > Funchal > Sé

Location

Situated in the Sé area, in the heart of Funchal city, the Sacred Art Museum is housed in a historic building, the former Episcopal Palace. Its central position, on Rua do Bispo, makes it accessible to those visiting the city's downtown area.

A Building with History

The Sacred Art Museum occupies a building with a long history, the former Episcopal Palace, whose original construction dates back to 1594, initiated by D. Luís Figueiredo de Lemos. Initially developed by Jerónimo Jorge, master of royal works, the palace underwent transformations over the centuries.

Particularly significant was the period after the 1748 earthquake, which led to important rebuilding works completed around 1750, harmonizing the ensemble we see today. This building served as the Episcopal Palace until 1910, then became the Funchal Lyceum, and from 1955 onwards, it began to house the museum.

The Museum's Collections

Inside the museum, there is a vast collection of sacred art spanning a chronological period between the 15th and 19th centuries. The collection includes pieces of painting, sculpture, goldsmithery, and vestments.

These collections are divided into two main nuclei, reflecting different influences and origins: Flemish art and Portuguese art, each with its own characteristics and stories that tell part of the island's historical and cultural journey.

The Richness of Flemish Art

One of the museum's strengths is its exceptional collection of Flemish art from the 15th and 16th centuries. This art arrived in Madeira during the golden age of sugar production and trade, a result of the island's commercial and cultural relations with Flanders.

The Flemish works, especially the paintings, stand out for their remarkable quality and, often, their unusual dimensions compared to other European collections of the same period. These include paintings by masters such as Gérard David or Dieric Bouts, as well as sculpture and goldsmithery from important artistic centers like Mechelen and Antwerp.

Portuguese Art and Other Collections

Complementing the Flemish nucleus, the museum presents a relevant set of Portuguese art, mostly dating between the 15th and 18th centuries. This section includes painting and sculpture illustrating the local and continental artistic production throughout these periods.

The goldsmithery collection deserves particular attention, with pieces ranging from the 16th to the 19th century, including the Funchal Cathedral Treasury. One of the highlights is the impressive Processional Cross of D. Manuel I, made of gilded silver, a gift from King D. Manuel I to the Cathedral in the early 16th century. The collection also features examples of ancient vestments, some richly embroidered with gold and silver.

Architectural Elements to Discover

In addition to the collections, the building itself holds some interesting elements. One of them is the Balcony Viewpoint Tower, which historically served to observe the arrival and departure of ships in Funchal bay and as a space for contemplation.

On the balcony, one can admire an 18th-century tile panel in blue and white tones. This panel allegorically represents the three theological virtues: Faith, Hope, and Charity, being a beautiful example of the tiling of the era.

License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt